Margaret “Maggie” McIlroy

Born to William and Dorothy (Pilon) Collins, she grew up in Erieau with her 4 brothers and 2 sisters who knew her as Maggie. Survived by sister Sheila Tiedeman, brothers Albert (Evelyn), Jack (Marcella), James and Larry (Betty Ann) Collins, brother-in-laws Walter (Lynn) and John (Cathy) McIlroy and sister-in-law Nancy McIlroy. Predeceased by sister Barbara (Bob) Maynard, brother-in-law Rick Tiedeman, sister-in-law Donna Collins and brother-in-law Robert McIlroy. She was adored by many nieces and nephews who knew her as Aunt Mag.

It was in Erieau that she met her loving husband of 46 years and best friend Richard. They were married in Cedar Springs in 1968 and have lived on the Bisnett Side Road for 42 years. She was beloved mother of Jeff of St. Thomas and Shelly (Pat McIlhargey) of London and proud grandmother of 6 beautiful grandchildren; Ethan, Owen and Hannah (McIlroy), Caitlin and Brooke-Lynn (Guerin) and Blake (McIlhargey).

Margaret was a hard worker and had endless talents. She was an exceptional painter, crafter and finished her working days as a hairdresser at her salon; Making Waves on Talbot St. In Blenheim. Her favourite pastimes included fishing on the waters of Lake Erie, travelling through Canada and the US with Richard, golfing with her buddies at Deer Run Golf Course but her favourite was spending time with her grandchildren. It brought her much joy to take them to the beach to collect beach glass, make crafts with them, play games and bake with them.

Margaret’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Allan Morrison and the staff at Chatham Kent Health Alliance for their thoughtful care during her illness.

Visitation will held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home (60 Stanley St) on Wednesday, April 22nd from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 11:00am at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Immediately following the service, friends and family are invited to Deer Run Golf Course for a celebration of Margaret’s life and light lunch. Friends wishing to remember Margaret with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Christian Blind Mission.